Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property

Admissions information

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• Course description arrow_forward_ios

  Professionals seeking registration as Trans-Tasman patent attorneys or Australian trade marks attorneys will benefit from this course, which is part of the suite of course in the UTS Intellectual Property Program, the first in Australia to meet all educational requirements for both registrations. Depending on the subjects taken, graduates may seek registration as a trade marks attorney in Australia and may fulfil part of the educational requirements for registration as a Trans-Tasman patent attorney in Australia and New Zealand.

  This fully online program offers flexibility and eliminates the need for physical attendance, covering trade mark and patent systems, design law, and professional conduct in Australia and New Zealand.

  You will develop the expertise to advise on IP infringement, validity, and compliance, with optional modules for broader IP knowledge.

  The course prepares you for roles such as portfolio manager, or policy maker, IP specialist if you are a legal practitioner and is suitable for overseas attorneys seeking local registration. Arts administrators or media professionals may enhance career options through building expertise in the commercialisation or management of intellectual property assets.

  The unique feature of this course is that it may be undertaken entirely online, removing the need for students to attend face-to-face classes.

• Important dates arrow_forward_ios

  Find out more about application dates relating to this course

• Scholarships and prizes arrow_forward_ios

  Discover our scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Our scholarships celebrate diversity and academic excellence. Use the scholarship search tool to find the right scholarship for you.

  Scholarships for domestic students

  Scholarships for international students

• Course duration arrow_forward_ios

  The course can be completed in a minimum of one session of full-time or one year of part-time study (timetabling restrictions apply).

  All subjects within this course can be studied by distance online, requiring no on-campus attendance. All lectures, tutorials, course materials and assessments are distributed by a combination of web-based technology and electronic media. Students conduct all communication with the lecturer by electronic means. A number of subjects are concurrently offered in traditional face-to-face on-campus format.

• Admission requirements arrow_forward_ios

  To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

  Applicants must have one of the following:

  • Completed Australian doctorate, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study

  OR

  • Completed Australian bachelor's degree or Australian master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study with a minimum GPA of 4/7

  OR

  • Completed Australian bachelor's degree or Australian master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study AND Capacity to study the course demonstrated through relevant professional experience

  OR

  • Capacity to study the course demonstrated through relevant professional experience

  Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

  For applicants who need to demonstrate capacity to pursue the course:

  • Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
    • A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
    • A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
    • A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)
    • An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
    • A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
  • Relevant work-related references
  • Personal statement outlining relevant professional experience and reasons for pursuing this course

  Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

• Domestic course fees arrow_forward_ios

  2025 Indicative tuition fees for domestic students

  As a postgraduate student, you'll be responsible for covering your own tuition fees.

  2025 Tuition Fee

  • Indicative first-year tuition fee:  $21,005
  • Indicative total tuition fee:  $21,005

  You can choose to pay your fees upfront per session, or if you’re eligible, you can defer them using a government FEE-HELP loan. This loan helps you cover all or part of your tuition fees. Keep in mind that applications for this loan are specific to each course.

  Additional Costs 

  Your tuition fees do not include:

  • The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
  • Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
  • Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges).

  Important Information 

  • Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
  • The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
  • Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
  • You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table

  Alumni Advantage Program 

  As a UTS graduate, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your course fees. Just apply for the course you're interested in, and if you're accepted, the discount will automatically be applied to your enrolment invoice. Learn more about the Alumni Advantage Program. 

  If you have any questions about course fees, please feel free to make an enquiry.
 

  Information for Masters by Research students: Government-funded scholarship places available

  As a recipient of the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, you do not have to pay tuition fees for up to the maximum period of candidature. However, even with this scholarship, you should expect ongoing costs that aren’t covered, like travel, training, and professional development. These costs can vary for each person, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Additionally, scholarships are available to help with your living expenses.

  Important details: The RTP Fees Offset Scholarship covers your tuition fees, but please note that it doesn’t include additional costs related to studying or conducting research. Additional fees for domestic students. For more information visit Research student fees.

• Inherent requirements arrow_forward_ios

  Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory.

• Professional recognition arrow_forward_ios

  Subject to final board approval, where applicants have a requisite tertiary qualification as stipulated by the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys, this course provides accredited subjects which satisfy the educational requirements necessary for registration as a Trade Marks Attorney or which lead to completing the educational requirements necessary for registration as a Patent Attorney in Australia and New Zealand.

  Prospective students should check with the Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board for specific subjects required to be completed for registration.

• Recognition of prior learning arrow_forward_ios

  Recognition of prior learning in the UTS Intellectual Property courses is generally not granted for subjects not primarily directed to Australian or New Zealand law.

  Exemption may be granted from 77905 Preparing for Intellectual Property Practice for:

  • completion of a dedicated intellectual property subject in the last six years, and
  • completion of a degree leading to practise as a legal practitioner, and
  • a current Australian Practicing Certificate.

  The Trans-Tasman IP Attorneys Board (TTIPAB) – the body that registers Australian and New Zealand Trade Marks and Patent Attorneys – may not recognise subject exemptions recognised by UTS students in the UTS Intellectual Property courses. Students intending to seek registration from the TTIPAB should seek recognition of prior learning from the TTIPAB directly, and are advised to do this prior to seeking recognition of prior learning towards the UTS Intellectual Property courses.

  More detailed information (including application, credit point limits, time limits, appeal of decision, record of precedent) about recognition of prior learning in the Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Property is available at postgraduate course information.